Moving to the Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex? Get your answers and make your buying decisions easy by using our resource guide.
| Education |
One of the highest priorities for relocating families is locating a new school for their children and providing a smooth transition so that learning can continue and new friends can be formed. This chapter will provide a good overview to learn more about the many educational resources available in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. You’ll also find information about private schools, a list of recommended immunizations for children from 0 to 18 years of age and data about Dallas-area independent school districts.
The Dallas/Fort Worth region is rich in educational and care opportunities – from early child care to graduate school, there are many options. The public school system educates more than one million children in Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding counties with more than 1,900 schools in various independent school districts (ISDs).
Parents can select from more than 350 private schools offering pre-K through high school education which include institutions rooted in religious traditions, schools that provide intensive academic experiences or reflect a particular pedagogy, and some that are specialized for specific populations. These diverse schools help fulfill the American ideal of educational pluralism and collectively contribute to teaching, nurturing and inspiring young minds.
CHILD CARE
Upon arrival to the Dallas area, one main priority can be determining child care, especially for children under the age of six. Many couples are both professional, dual-income earners and may not have close or extended family nearby to help. Luckily, the region can offer many options and resources, including licensed facilities, independent child care homes, and in-home professionals.
DEFINING CARE TERMS
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) licenses day-care centers, registered family homes in addition to other services. According to the DFPS, child care can be broken down into the following types of operations:
— Listed Family Homes
People who must list with the division are those who are compensated to provide regular child care (at least four hours per day, three or more days a week, for more than nine consecutive weeks) in their own homes for 1-3 unrelated children. After receipt of an application and licensing background check clearances, a certificate is issued. The listed family home caregiver must be at least 18 years old. However, there are no minimum standards, orientation or training requirements for listed homes. They are not inspected unless a report is received alleging child care is offered subject to registration and reports of abuse or neglect are investigated.
— Registered Child Care Homes
Registered Child Care Homes provide care in the caregiver’s home for up to six children under age 14; they may also take in up to six more school-age children. The number of children allowed in a home is determined by the ages of the children. No more than 12 children can be in care at any time, including children of the caregiver. The application process requires that a registered child care home provider complete an orientation class and receive clearances on background checks. A registration certificate is issued after licensing staff completes an on-site inspection to ensure minimum standards are met. Registered homes are inspected every one to two years and if a report is received related to child abuse/neglect or standards deficiencies.
— Licensed Facilities
All types of licensed facilities have published standards they are required to follow and are routinely monitored and inspected. The application process requires that the licensed operation provider receive orientation and background checks are conducted. A license is issued after licensing staff completes on-site inspection(s) to ensure minimum standards are met. Licensed facilities are inspected at least once every 12 months and to investigate reports alleging violations of standards or child abuse/neglect.
OTHER CARE OPTIONS
— Nannies
Nannies are employed by the family on either a live-in or live-out, part-time or full-time basis, to undertake all tasks related to the care of children. Duties are generally restricted to child care and the domestic tasks related to the children. The nanny may or may not have had formal training, though often have extensive child care experience and a background in early childhood education. Typically, full-time employed nannies will work 40–60 hours per week. Usually work is unsupervised.
According to the International Nanny Association (INA) (www.nanny.org), you can look for a nanny in many places, including help wanted ads in newspapers and magazines, bulletin boards and referrals from friends. These approaches can be time-consuming and also can result in negative experiences. The association suggests that you contact nanny training programs about the availability of their graduates or that you take advantage of the services offered by nanny placement agencies.
A placement agency is a service company that matches the skills and qualifications of nannies with the needs of families looking for in-home child care. The agency charges a fee to locate and screen nannies for you to consider hiring for your family. A reputable agency will carefully consider your needs and preferences when helping you find a suitable candidate. Placement fees range from $800 to $5,000 and should include a provision to replace the nanny or refund a portion of the fee if the placement does not work out within a certain period of time.
As part of its screening process, the agency should verify the nanny candidate’s personal and employment references and previous child care experience. Many agencies also take nanny fingerprints, check for a criminal record, check the driving record and require a blood test, TB test and/or request a doctor’s statement that the candidate is in good health and free of contagious diseases. Some agencies also require psychological testing or evaluation. In the U.S., the agency should verify that the candidate is an American citizen or is eligible to work legally in the U.S.
The Dallas/Fort Worth region is rich in educational and care opportunities – from early child care to graduate school, there are many options. The public school system educates more than one million children in Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding counties with more than 1,900 schools in various independent school districts (ISDs).
Parents can select from more than 350 private schools offering pre-K through high school education which include institutions rooted in religious traditions, schools that provide intensive academic experiences or reflect a particular pedagogy, and some that are specialized for specific populations. These diverse schools help fulfill the American ideal of educational pluralism and collectively contribute to teaching, nurturing and inspiring young minds.
CHILD CARE
Upon arrival to the Dallas area, one main priority can be determining child care, especially for children under the age of six. Many couples are both professional, dual-income earners and may not have close or extended family nearby to help. Luckily, the region can offer many options and resources, including licensed facilities, independent child care homes, and in-home professionals.
DEFINING CARE TERMS
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) licenses day-care centers, registered family homes in addition to other services. According to the DFPS, child care can be broken down into the following types of operations:
— Listed Family Homes
People who must list with the division are those who are compensated to provide regular child care (at least four hours per day, three or more days a week, for more than nine consecutive weeks) in their own homes for 1-3 unrelated children. After receipt of an application and licensing background check clearances, a certificate is issued. The listed family home caregiver must be at least 18 years old. However, there are no minimum standards, orientation or training requirements for listed homes. They are not inspected unless a report is received alleging child care is offered subject to registration and reports of abuse or neglect are investigated.
— Registered Child Care Homes
Registered Child Care Homes provide care in the caregiver’s home for up to six children under age 14; they may also take in up to six more school-age children. The number of children allowed in a home is determined by the ages of the children. No more than 12 children can be in care at any time, including children of the caregiver. The application process requires that a registered child care home provider complete an orientation class and receive clearances on background checks. A registration certificate is issued after licensing staff completes an on-site inspection to ensure minimum standards are met. Registered homes are inspected every one to two years and if a report is received related to child abuse/neglect or standards deficiencies.
— Licensed Facilities
All types of licensed facilities have published standards they are required to follow and are routinely monitored and inspected. The application process requires that the licensed operation provider receive orientation and background checks are conducted. A license is issued after licensing staff completes on-site inspection(s) to ensure minimum standards are met. Licensed facilities are inspected at least once every 12 months and to investigate reports alleging violations of standards or child abuse/neglect.
OTHER CARE OPTIONS
— Nannies
Nannies are employed by the family on either a live-in or live-out, part-time or full-time basis, to undertake all tasks related to the care of children. Duties are generally restricted to child care and the domestic tasks related to the children. The nanny may or may not have had formal training, though often have extensive child care experience and a background in early childhood education. Typically, full-time employed nannies will work 40–60 hours per week. Usually work is unsupervised.
According to the International Nanny Association (INA) (www.nanny.org), you can look for a nanny in many places, including help wanted ads in newspapers and magazines, bulletin boards and referrals from friends. These approaches can be time-consuming and also can result in negative experiences. The association suggests that you contact nanny training programs about the availability of their graduates or that you take advantage of the services offered by nanny placement agencies.
A placement agency is a service company that matches the skills and qualifications of nannies with the needs of families looking for in-home child care. The agency charges a fee to locate and screen nannies for you to consider hiring for your family. A reputable agency will carefully consider your needs and preferences when helping you find a suitable candidate. Placement fees range from $800 to $5,000 and should include a provision to replace the nanny or refund a portion of the fee if the placement does not work out within a certain period of time.
As part of its screening process, the agency should verify the nanny candidate’s personal and employment references and previous child care experience. Many agencies also take nanny fingerprints, check for a criminal record, check the driving record and require a blood test, TB test and/or request a doctor’s statement that the candidate is in good health and free of contagious diseases. Some agencies also require psychological testing or evaluation. In the U.S., the agency should verify that the candidate is an American citizen or is eligible to work legally in the U.S.
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